Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel | Presented by Yahoo! Travel

Planning a Hawaii trip with points? In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we sit down with Jamie to break down her incredible family vacation to Kauai and how she used smart points and miles strategies to save over 8 THOUSAND DOLLARS. We cover how she booked the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa using World of Hyatt points, flight strategies with Hawaiian Airlines and the Southwest Companion Pass, and what it’s really like traveling Hawaii with kids. From exploring Waimea Canyon to finding the best local food spots and using tools like the Shaka Guide, this episode is packed with Hawaii travel tips, Kauai itinerary ideas, and practical ways to maximize points and miles for a dream family vacation.Mentioned in this Episode:Previous episode with JamieFind Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Tobiq 15%Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!Keywords Hawaii travel, Kauai travel guide, Grand Hyatt Kauai, World of Hyatt points, Hawaii with points, family travel Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines miles, Southwest Companion Pass, Kauai itinerary, Waimea Canyon, travel rewards, points and miles, Hawaii travel tips

Airline loyalty programs can feel confusing, frustrating, or even impossible to crack—but in this episode we’re breaking down how to actually make them work for you. Join us as we dive into airline loyalty, points strategies, and smart family travel with Kyle Olsen, Travel Products Editor at CNN Underscored and a travel expert.We break down how airline loyalty really works today, how alliances expand your options, and when pursuing status actually makes sense—including updates to programs like United Airlines and American Airlines. But the real surprise? The family travel value hiding inside Frontier Airlines.Frontier has quietly built some powerful perks for families—especially on a budget—with creative ways to earn status and benefits that can significantly lower the cost of flying with kids. If you’ve written it off before, this episode might change your mind.Whether you’re chasing status or just trying to travel more as a family without overspending, this episode offers a fresh take on airline loyalty.Mentioned in this Episode:BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Episode 101 with the founder of CardPointersFind Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Our Favorite Credit CardsRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Comfrt.com 15% OFFOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we’re taking you inside Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, one of the most talked-about all-inclusive resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.We share what it’s really like staying at this stunning beachfront resort—from the food and service to the activities and overall atmosphere—and why it consistently ranks among the best all-inclusive resorts in the region. We also walk through smart booking strategies, especially in light of award chart changes across Hyatt properties, and how travelers can still maximize their points for an incredible luxury getaway.If you’re dreaming about turquoise water, powder-soft beaches, and an adults-only escape near Cancun, this episode is packed with practical tips. We also share advice for traveling in the Riviera Maya, what to expect from resort amenities, and why this area of Mexico continues to be one of the most popular destinations for points and miles travelers.Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or simply want to experience a top-tier all-inclusive resort using points, this episode will help you decide if Secrets Maroma Beach deserves a spot on your travel list.Mentioned in this Episode:Episode 131 - Italy on PointsSeats.Aero@Diveintopoints InstagramHyatt Business Card ReferralRakuten Podcast EpisodeJen's BlogJennifer Maren PhotographyRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

In this episode of the Wonderland on Points podcast, we sit down with mom and points traveler Cam Snyder from @ThePointsPrinciple to talk about planning a memorable 48-hour trip to Mexico City using points and miles. Cam shares why Mexico City is an incredible destination for families, with amazing food, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class museums.We also dive into how she got started in the points and miles world and how she uses those strategies to make international travel more accessible. From booking award flights to choosing the right hotel location, Cam walks us through the key decisions that shaped her family’s short but unforgettable Mexico City adventure.Along the way, we talk about navigating transportation in such a massive city, why location matters when choosing a hotel like the Hilton Mexico City Reforma, and how to balance points versus cash when booking your stay. If you’re thinking about visiting Mexico City, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you plan a smooth and rewarding trip.Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterMentioned in this Episode:Cam's ReelSeats.AeroOur FAVORITE Travel Backpack!Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we’re sharing our honest review of Grand Decameron Los Cabos in Cabo San Lucas — an all-inclusive stay booked with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts points. And we literally CANNOT believe how amazing it was for the cost!We break down how to use Wyndham points (transferred from CapitalOne) for an all-inclusive in Cabo, what flying Southwest Airlines was like with the new seating, and whether this resort is truly a budget-friendly option for family travel. From dining reviews and grocery store hacks to snorkeling excursions and spontaneous flight changes, we’re covering what worked, what didn’t, and how to stretch your points and miles further in Mexico.If you’re planning a Cabo family vacation, considering a Wyndham all-inclusive, or looking for smart travel tips to save money, this episode is for you.Episode Sponsors:Y! Wonder NewsletterComfrt.com 15% OFFMentioned in this Episode:Alejandro the Cabo Concierge - Whatsapp: +52 867 104 4384Cabo Escapes Snorkeling TourViator Horseback Riding ExcursionFind Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

**This episode was recorded before the drop of the current transfer bonus to Virgin AtlanticIn this episode of Wonderland on Points, we chat with Owen Beiny of The Points Partner, about how he went from paparazzi photographer to mastering the world of points and miles. We dive into transfer bonuses, smart redemption strategies, and how families can unlock outsized value from their credit cards without overcomplicating the process.We also talk about stacking opportunities—like monthly promo awards with Air France—when it makes sense to move your points, and why mindset matters just as much as math in the points and miles game. If you want practical travel tips, real redemption inspiration, and a reminder to celebrate your wins, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.This episode is presented by Yahoo! Travel. Don't forget to sign up for the Y! Wonder Newsletter written by yours truly.Mentioned in this Episode:Owen's Fly Free Academy CourseBook a FREE Card Consultation with OwenFind Us On Online:Owen on TikTokThePointsPartner.comMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

In this episode, we chat with Charlotte about how her love of travel began and how that journey led her to the Philippines, where missions work and orphan care have deeply shaped her life. She shares how God’s timing and meaningful community have guided her travels, and how visiting the Philippines can be both impactful and surprisingly affordable.We also talk through practical tips for getting there with points and miles, why the strong U.S. dollar stretches far, how to use Grab for getting around, and why carrying cash still matters. From incredible Filipino hospitality and flavorful local dishes to the fun of plane spotting, this episode is a heartfelt glimpse into travel with purpose in the Philippines and beyond.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogCharlotte's TikTokCharlotte's YoutubeMentioned in this episode:Make Friends In Unexpected Places Merch"I'll Never Forget Today" ReelAeroLopa Seat MapsAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!)Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we sit down with Kaung, a nurse and finance expert who has turned points and miles into a powerful tool for traveling smarter. We talk about how his journey into the points world started while planning his wedding and how he used credit card rewards to fund an unforgettable honeymoon in Europe. Kong shares some of his more creative strategies, including earning points in unexpected ways, and walks us through how he thinks about risk when trying new approaches.We also dig into Wells Fargo and their often overlooked presence in the points space, breaking down the Autograph card and the Autograph Journey card, including who they’re best for and how their transfer partners can unlock real value. On top of that, we cover recent updates to Chase Sapphire rules, current transfer bonuses worth paying attention to, and what all of this means for everyday travelers. We wrap up by chatting about Kong’s upcoming travel plans, including theme parks and future trips to Europe, as he transitions into full-time content creation in the points and miles world.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in this episode:Choice Hotel episodeGranada EpisodeKaung's TikTokKaung's YoutubeAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!